Whispers

The Cardinals held it together without Albert Pujols, going 7-7 and scoring 4.3 runs per game. Tony La Russa was hoping Pujols would be added to the NL All-Star roster so he could avoid a four-day break. … Jim Leyritz, the Yankees' 1996 World Series hero who was acquitted of vehicular homicide after a drunk driving accident, is trying to get his career back on track as a coach for the independent Newark Bears. He says Joe Girardi and David Cone were the only former teammates who stood by him through his ordeal. … The Marlins plan to give Mike Cameron a lot of playing time as they lighten the load for young outfielders. … Peter Bourjos'sore hamstring prompted the Angels to promote Mike Trout from Double A. He should play every day and could stick if he comes out hitting. … According to metrics used by Baseball Info Solutions, Ryan Theriot gave up more runs than any other major league shortstop in the first half. The other fielding no-stars: pitcher, Edwin Jackson; catcher, Jonathan Lucroy; first base, Ryan Howard; second base, Bill Hall; third base, Mark Reynolds; left field, Raul Ibanez; center field, Adam Jones; and right field, Lance Berkman. Jones is a surprise because he's athletic and has a strong arm. … Max Scherzer showed immediate improvement after Jeff Jones replaced Rick Knapp as the Tigers' pitching coach. Their season might depend on Jones getting more from Scherzer and Rick Porcello. … The Indians are looking hard at outfield bats.